Why Everyone’s Talking About Espresso Drinks Stamps — And Why You Might Want to Start Collecting Them

Okay, I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to be this excited about postage stamps in 2025. But when I stumbled across the Espresso Drinks Stamps from USPS, something clicked. It wasn’t just the sleek design or the rich coffeehouse nostalgia baked into each square inch. It was the way these tiny pieces of printed art are bringing together coffee lovers, collectors, and casual snail-mail romantics alike.

Let’s dive into why these stamps are more than just postage — and what you need to know if you’re thinking of picking up a few yourself.

The Espresso Drinks Stamps: What Are They, and Why Are They So Cool?

Released by USPS on April 9, 2021, the Espresso Drinks Stamps are a tribute to the coffee culture that’s become an everyday part of modern life. These Forever Stamps (meaning they’ll always cover the First-Class Mail 1 oz rate, no matter future price hikes) feature five iconic espresso-based beverages:

• Espresso
• Cappuccino
• Caffè Latte
• Caffè Mocha
• Flat White

Each design, created by artist Terry Allen and art director Greg Breeding, mimics the visual aesthetic of vintage coffeehouse signage. Think chalkboard menus, swirling crema art, and a warm, welcoming vibe. It’s not just postage — it’s a mood.

Where to Use Espresso Drinks Stamps — Beyond the Obvious

Sure, you can use these for sending letters, but here are a few other creative uses I’ve seen in the wild:

• Gifting: Stick a sheet into a greeting card for your coffee-loving friend.
• Journaling: Add one to your bullet journal for aesthetic flair.
• Event Invites: If you’re throwing a brunch, baby shower, or even a wedding with a café theme, these are a classy touch.

Pro tip: pair them with kraft envelopes or other rustic stationery for that full artisanal vibe.

Where to Buy Espresso Drinks Stamps (And How to Spot the Fakes)

Now let’s talk about buying — because not all stamp sellers are created equal. Whether you’re a collector or just a curious first-timer, choosing the right platform can make or break your experience.

Here’s a breakdown of where you can buy them:

⚠️ How to Spot Fakes:

• If a deal seems too good to be true (e.g., 100 Forever Stamps for $10), it is.
• Fake stamps often have slightly blurry edges, odd gloss, or incorrect color tones.
• USPS recently launched a warning campaign reminding buyers to avoid third-party marketplaces unless sellers are verified.

Don’t Sleep on These New USPS Stamps Either

Sneak Peek at 2025’s Broader Stamp Program – USPS has also previewed its full 2025 stamp lineup—spanning pop culture icons, natural beauty, and historic anniversaries—so keep an eye out for even more releases throughout the year

Endangered Species Forever Stamps Collector’s Set – As part of Earth Day 2025, USPS continues to offer its limited‑edition Endangered Species Forever stamps collector’s set, originally released May 19, 2023, featuring 20 endangered animals across the U.S. and its territories. This special edition includes progressive proofs and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity to celebrate and support wildlife conservation efforts. Alongside this, the Save Vanishing Species Semipostal stamp—issued September 20, 2011—has generated over $8 million for habitat protection as of March 2025

Lunar New Year 2025 – Year of the Snake – On January 14, 2025, USPS unveiled the Year of the Snake Forever stamp, the sixth installment in its Lunar New Year series, showcasing a three‑dimensional snake mask crafted from hand‑printed paper by artist Camille Chew. Priced at 73¢, this stamp blends traditional mask‑making artistry with modern papercraft, perfect for collectors and celebrants marking the new zodiac year.

Protect Sea Turtles Semipostal – Released June 6, 2024, this semipostal issue spotlights six sea turtle species that depend on U.S. coastal waters for feeding and migration, with proceeds aiding marine conservation programs.

2025 Forever Stamp Price Update – USPS filed notice on April 9, 2025, proposing a 5¢ increase in the First‑Class Mail Forever stamp price from 73¢ to 78¢, slated to take effect July 13, 2025, pending Postal Regulatory Commission approval. This follows last year’s historic jump from 68¢ to 73¢ on July 14, 2024, underscoring why now is a smart time to stock up if you mail frequently or are building a themed collection .

Offline vs. Online — Which Is Better?

Offline (Brick-and-Mortar Locations)

• Post Offices: Reliable, but sometimes don’t carry specialty stamps.
• Big Box Stores (like Walmart or Office Depot): Occasionally stock USPS stamps at the counter.
• Philatelic Events & Collectors’ Shops: Great for rare finds, but you’ll often pay collector prices.

Online

• Convenience: 24/7 shopping, wider selection.
• Risk: Must be careful about authentication (especially on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, etc.).

💡 Tip: Always ask for clear photos and USPS receipts if buying from an individual seller online.

The Collector’s Angle

For those who collect stamps, the Espresso Drinks series hits all the sweet spots:

• Thematic: Appeals to coffee lovers.
• Visual Cohesion: The five designs make a perfect set.
• Limited Run: Like all Forever Stamps, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Collectors often pair this set with older USPS beverage stamps like the 2018 Frozen Treats series or the 2014 Farmers Market collection. It’s all about building a visual story.

Final Thoughts — A Little Stamp, A Lot of Culture

There’s something magical about a stamp that captures more than postage — that tells a story in a single square. The Espresso Drinks Stamps aren’t just a nod to coffee culture; they’re a snapshot of how even everyday rituals like mailing a letter can feel more personal, intentional, and yes — a little more caffeinated.

If you’ve been curious about dipping your toes into the world of modern stamp collecting (or just want a better way to send thank-you cards), this is a perfect place to start.

FAQs

Q1: Are Espresso Drinks Stamps still available from USPS?
A: As of May 2025, they’re increasingly hard to find on USPS.com, but third-party sellers may still have stock.

Q2: Can I use Espresso Drinks Stamps for international mail?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to add additional postage to meet international rates.

Q3: How do I store collectible stamps like these?
A: Use a protective album or archival sleeves to prevent exposure to moisture, sunlight, or oils from your fingers.